Joshua Bell will judge Miss America competition

15 August 2013, 11:57

The American violinist Joshua Bell has been confirmed as one of the judges in next year's Miss America contest.

Alongside Bell in the judging roles will be a variety of notable cultural figures. Former 'N Sync singer Lance Bass, comedian Mario Cantone and basketball player Amar'e Stoudemire.

The Miss America Organisation's announcement about the event described the judges: "Accomplished in their respective fields, these national judges are experts in areas where today’s young women excel. They exude intelligence, leadership, talent, physical fitness, and dedication to community service."

The 2014 competition will have seven different adjudicators and will take place on September 15th in New Jersey.

Bell's announcement as one of the judges follows a recent increase in public profile for the violinist, after he appeared on the popular US show Dancing With The Stars last year. Bell is also the music director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.